Glitch Sidelines Kentucky Vehicle Registration System

The testing of a new statewide registration system uncovered a number of problems, forcing officials to take it offline for repairs.

by Beth Musgrave, Lexington Herald-Leader
/
January 3, 2018

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(TNS) — A glitch in the statewide software program used to issue car tag renewals led to long lines and problems for the state’s county clerks on Tuesday.

The state tested a new software program this weekend and it had no problems. But on Tuesday, the first day county clerks offices were open after New Year’s Day, the software had so many problems the state opted to shut down the entire system so it could fix the problem, said Don Blevins Jr., the Fayette County Clerk.

“It only affects motor vehicle transactions that includes registration renewal, handicap placards and title transfers,” Blevins said. “It’s out statewide.”

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The first of the month is typically a busy time for motor vehicle transactions. The software problems created a lot of headaches and long lines for county clerks, Blevins said.

“One of the pieces of the system, the point of sale part of the system, was tested by the state over the weekend and it worked fine,” Blevins said. The software problems do not affect driver licenses, which are overseen by circuit clerks.

Blevins said county clerks have been told by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which oversees the software system, that it hopes the problem will be fixed by Wednesday.

Blevins said residents who need new tags or other motor vehicle transactions should call or check the website of their local county clerk on Wednesday before going to a county clerk’s office. In Fayette County, people should call (859) 253-3344 or check the website at www.fayettecountyclerk.com.